Grasshopper vs. Locust — What's the Difference?

An insect from the suborder Caelifera.

A type of grasshopper that can form large swarms.

A long-bodied insect with strong hind legs for jumping.

Often associated with biblical plagues due to their destructive nature.

Known for its song produced by rubbing its wings together.

Can transition from a solitary to a gregarious phase.

Recognized by its long antennae and powerful jumping legs.

Has a swarming behavior under certain conditions.

A herbivorous insect that feeds on plants.

Locusts (derived from the Vulgar Latin locusta, meaning grasshopper) are a group of certain species of short-horned grasshoppers in the family Acrididae that have a swarming phase. These insects are usually solitary, but under certain circumstances they become more abundant and change their behaviour and habits, becoming gregarious.

Grasshoppers are a group of insects belonging to the suborder Caelifera. They are among what is probably the most ancient living group of chewing herbivorous insects, dating back to the early Triassic around 250 million years ago.

Any of various short-horned grasshoppers that sometimes migrate in immense swarms, devouring vegetation and crops.

Any of numerous orthopteran insects, chiefly of the suborder Caelifera, characteristically having long, powerful hind legs adapted for jumping.

A cicada, especially a periodical cicada.

A light, usually unarmed airplane used for liaison and scouting.

Any of several trees of the pea family bearing long pods, especially the black locust, honey locust, and carob.

A cocktail consisting of crème de menthe, crème de cacao, and cream.

The wood of any of these trees.

A mostly herbivorous insect of the order Orthoptera, noted for its ability to jump long distances and for the habit of some species communicating by stridulation; they are related to but distinct from crickets.

Any of the grasshoppers, often polyphenic and usually swarming, in the family Acrididae that are very destructive to crops and other vegetation, especially the migratory locust (Locusta migratoria).

In the strict sense, refers to insects in the suborder Caelifera, particularly those in the family Acrididae.

A fruit or pod of the carob tree.

In a looser sense, also includes the katydids (also known as longhorned grasshoppers or bush crickets), which are members of the family Tettigoniidae, of the suborder Ensifera.

Any of various often leguminous trees and shrubs, especially of the genera Robinia and Gleditsia; the locust tree.

A cocktail made with crème de menthe and optionally with crème de cacao.

A cicada.

(figuratively) A young student in initial stages of training who has been chosen on account of their obvious talent.

A Mainlander.

(musical instrument) In ordinary square or upright pianos of London make, the escapement lever or jack, so made that it can be taken out and replaced with the key.

(intransitive) To come in a swarm.

Any jumping, orthopterous insect, of the families Acrididæ and Locustidæ, having large hind legs adapted for leaping, and chewing mouth parts. The species and genera are very numerous and some are very destructive to crops. The former family includes the Western grasshopper or locust (Caloptenus spretus), noted for the great extent of its ravages in the region beyond the Mississippi. In the Eastern United States the red-legged (Caloptenus femurrubrum and C. atlanis) are closely related species, but their ravages are less important. They are closely related to the migratory locusts of the Old World. See Locust.

Any one of numerous species of long-winged, migratory, orthopterous insects, of the family Acrididæ, allied to the grasshoppers; esp., (Edipoda migratoria, syn. Pachytylus migratoria, and Acridium perigrinum, of Southern Europe, Asia, and Africa. In the United States the related species with similar habits are usually called grasshoppers. See Grasshopper.

In ordinary square or upright pianos of London make, the escapement lever or jack, so made that it can be taken out and replaced with the key; - called also the hopper.

The locust tree. See Locust Tree (definition, note, and phrases).

An antipersonnel mine that jumps from the ground to body height when activated, and explodes, hurling metal fragments over a wide area.

Migratory grasshoppers of warm regions having short antennae

A mixed alcoholic beverage containing crème de menthe, light cream, and sometimes crème de cacao. The name comes from its light green color.

Hardwood from any of various locust trees

Terrestrial plant-eating insect with hind legs adapted for leaping

Any of various hard-wooded trees of the family Leguminosae

A cocktail made of creme de menthe and cream (sometimes with creme de cacao)

Known for causing significant agricultural damage.

Locusts, when swarming, can rapidly consume vast areas of vegetation, leading to significant agricultural losses.

While a single grasshopper can consume plants, they typically don't cause the widespread damage associated with locust swarms.

Locust swarms can be controlled using pesticides, biological controls, and preventive measures.

Locusts swarm due to a combination of environmental factors and population density, leading them to change from solitary to gregarious behavior.

Grasshoppers are primarily herbivores, feeding on a variety of plants.

Yes, several species of grasshoppers are categorized as locusts due to their swarming behavior.

No, while all locusts are grasshoppers, not all grasshoppers are locusts. Locusts can form destructive swarms, whereas most grasshoppers don't.

Grasshoppers produce sound by rubbing their hind legs against their wings, a behavior called stridulation.

Locust swarms are tracked using satellite imagery, ground surveys, and local reports, helping in early detection and control.

A locust swarm's duration varies, but swarms can travel and feed for extended periods, sometimes covering large distances.

Yes, both are preyed upon by birds, reptiles, rodents, and certain insects.

Locust swarms, due to their sudden appearance and vast destruction, are often viewed as plagues or punishments in historical and religious texts.

Only certain species of grasshoppers can transition into the swarming behavior characteristic of locusts under specific conditions.

Locusts use visual cues, wind patterns, and pheromones to navigate and stay together during swarms.

Yes, both grasshoppers and locusts are edible and are consumed as a source of protein in many cultures worldwide.